He served as the head football coach at Brigham Young University (BYU) from 1949 to 1955, compiling a record of 18–49–3.

Atkinson was a native of Pocatello, Idaho.

In high school, he was all-state in football and basketball.

He graduated from the University of Idaho, where was the captain of the football and basketball teams.

Prior to his tenure at BYU, Atkinson coached football at Pocatello High School, where his record was 38–11.